Ray Kroc - The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.

Welcome to the Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for September 2nd.Today is National Blueberry Popsicle Day, a delightfully refreshing celebration that kicks off National Blueberry Popsicle Month. Wow... a whole month of Blueberry Popsicles!!!As we transition from the peak heat of summer into the cooler days of early fall, there's something perfectly nostalgic about celebrating this frozen treat that's been cooling us down for generations.The blueberry popsicle might be the underrated hero of the frozen treat world. While everyone talks about cherry, grape, or orange flavors, the humble blueberry popsicle offers that perfect balance of tart and sweet, often studded with real fruit pieces that burst with flavor as they melt on your tongue. It's like summer captured in frozen form – wholesome, refreshing, and surprisingly sophisticated.Today's quote comes from Ray Kroc, the businessman who built the McDonald's empire, who said:"The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves."Now, you might wonder what Ray Kroc's business wisdom has to do with blueberry popsicles. And now that I'm recording this... I'm thinking the same thing. But think about it – the best popsicles aren't made by cutting corners or using artificial shortcuts. The truly memorable ones are crafted with care, using real blueberries, natural ingredients, and attention to detail.Kroc understood that excellence isn't just about what others see – it's about the standards we maintain even when no one is watching. A great popsicle maker could easily use artificial blueberry flavoring and blue food coloring. But the best ones choose real fruit, natural sweeteners, and take the time to get the texture just right.This principle applies far beyond frozen treats. Whether you're making a popsicle, leading a team, or just going about your daily routine, the quality of what you produce reflects the standards you've set for yourself.I remember making homemade popsicles with my Mom when I was a kid... or maybe I just watched her make them. I don't remember.But I do remember they were tasty and refreshing. And better than the store bought ones.So today, as we celebrate National Blueberry Popsicle Day, let's embrace Ray Kroc's insight about personal standards. Whether you're making an actual popsicle, tackling a work project, or just going about your back to work routine, ask yourself: what standard am I setting for myself here?Remember, nobody might notice if you take the easy route, but you will. And those small choices to maintain high standards add up to create a life of genuine excellence.That's going to do it for today. I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for now, but I'll be back tomorrow – same pod time, same pod station – with another Daily Quote.